Salpingitis (Fallopian Tube Infection) – Meaning, Symptoms, and Treatment

What is Salpingitis?

Fallopian tubes are cylindrical tubes that carry fertilised eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. Salpingitis is the inflammation of one or both fallopian tubes. It is a bacterial infection transmitted from the vagina or uterus. The two different types of salpingitis are:

• Acute salpingitis
• Chronic salpingitis

Acute salpingitis is a sudden infection of the fallopian tubes that causes severe pain, discharge, and fever.

Chronic salpingitis is a long-term infection that may cause mild to moderate pain, potentially leading to scarring of the fallopian tubes.

If a fallopian tube infection is not treated promptly, it can lead to blockage or damage of the tubes. Conception becomes difficult and increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy. This can cause infertility in women.

Salpingitis Causes (Fallopian tube infection causes)

Fallopian tube infection occurs when bacteria enter the reproductive system through the vagina and travel upwards to the fallopian tubes. The most important causes are:

• If a woman suffers from vaginal or uterine infection, it may travel upwards to the fallopian tubes to cause a non-sexually transmitted infection.
• Sexually transmitted bacterial infections such as gonorrhoea and chlamydia can cause infection of the cervix and then spread to the fallopian tubes.
• Women who do not maintain proper personal hygiene or use unclean sanitary products can suffer from vaginal bacterial infection, leading to salpingitis.
• Practising sex without protection also increases the risk of transmission of infection from the already infected partner.
• Women may suffer from infection of the reproductive tract after surgical procedures such as childbirth or abortion and insertion of intrauterine devices. Therefore, proper care is necessary to prevent infection.
• Having multiple sexual partners also increases the risk of developing salpingitis.

Diagnosis of Salpingitis

A doctor recommends several laboratory and imaging tests to diagnose a fallopian tube infection. The doctor will take a comprehensive history of your symptoms and conduct a thorough physical examination. Common diagnostic tools used are:

• The doctor will check tenderness, swelling in the pelvic area, or abnormal discharge during a physical or pelvic examination.
• USG, or ultrasonography, is used to assess the health of the reproductive organs and detect abnormalities such as abscesses, swelling, scarring, or fluid accumulation.
• Another test, which is a minimally invasive procedure, is done to view the organs and diagnose severe infection or damage of the fallopian tubes. It is called laparoscopy.
• Vaginal culture helps to identify a specific bacterium causing the infection. The doctor takes a sample of the vaginal discharge to identify the particular bacteria.
• Bacterial infection or sexually transmitted diseases can also be diagnosed using blood tests. An increase in white blood cell count indicates infection.

Treatment of Salpingitis (Fallopian Tube Infection Treatment)

The primary goal of fallopian tube infection treatment is to reduce infection and inflammation, and prevent reoccurrences and complications. Treatment of salpingitis includes the following:

• Doctors prescribe antibiotics to treat bacterial infections. It is the most essential treatment recommended for fallopian tube infection.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are given to manage pelvic pain and reduce fever.
• In case of sexually transmitted infection, both partners must receive the treatment to prevent complications and reinfection.
• In severe infections, if oral medication fails to work, a woman may need to be admitted to the hospital for intravenous antibiotics. The doctor may keep a woman under observation for some time until the infection subsides.
• Surgery is required in a few cases, such as where the fallopian tubes are damaged or abscesses have formed.

Once antibiotic treatment is complete, the doctor recommends a test to check if the infection has cleared. Incomplete treatment can cause reinfection or permanent damage to the reproductive organs.

What are the Complications of Untreated Salpingitis?

Complications may occur if the fallopian tube infection remains untreated.

• Chronic fallopian tube infection can cause blockage or scarring, thereby causing infertility by preventing eggs from reaching the uterine cavity.
• In the event of successful fertilisation, the fertilised ovum may attach to the impaired fallopian tube, which poses a potentially fatal risk of ectopic pregnancy.
• A lingering infection or scar tissue can lead to chronic pelvic pain or discomfort.
• An untreated infection can move through the bloodstream and lead to sepsis, a serious condition.

Recommendations on How to Prevent Salpingitis or Infection of the Fallopian Tubes

Good hygiene can help prevent infections in the fallopian tubes.

Women should undergo regular bloodwork and check-ups to identify early signs of infection and inflammation, which can worsen if left untreated.

If there are recurrent episodes of burning, itching, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge, these must be assessed by a healthcare provider to intervene and prevent complications from the upward spread of the infection.

To avoid fallopian tube infections, women must also maintain good reproductive health practices, including safe sexual practices, good personal hygiene, and routine check-ups with a health care provider to monitor their health.

Conclusion

Fallopian tube infection or salpingitis is a bacterial infection that can affect a woman’s fertility and reproductive health if left untreated. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent infection and complete recovery. If a woman experiences pelvic pain, fever, or foul vaginal discharge, she should discuss with a doctor immediately for early intervention and to prevent complications. Early treatment can help prevent long-term complications.